Beauty, Blogger Style, Fashion, Red Carpet Style, Trend Report

And The Award Goes To….

February 29, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

While many fashionistas drug of choice remains shoes, my personal preference has always been couture. Primarily, red carpet couture. Sure, shoes are great. And I can totally relate to their healing powers- no matter how you feel, they’ll always fit.

But… the focus is still on your feet. And I need more than that.

And couture puts the focus on the entire package. Sometimes in the most creatively imaginative and stunning ways possible. Others, a bit more classic. And that’s exactly what makes couture so damn addictive- you never know what you’re going to get. But there’s one occasion in particular where you can count on seeing a little bit of everything.

The Academy Awards.

Otherwise known as the holy grail for stylists. Like Rachel Zoe, who showed us all the painstaking work that went into securing gowns for her clients through her reality show, The Rachel Zoe Project. And quite honestly, we can credit her for the reason people even pay attention to who’s styling who these days. For Zoe, the process would usually begin with Fashion Week, where she would spot a gown, picture a specific client with it, and the rest would become red carpet history. But not without drama- the show exposed just how critical obtaining the perfect gown was, and the lengths stylists would go to get it. After all, it was all about “the moment”. Her client list has included A-listers like Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Lawrence, Eva Mendez, Demi Moore, Jennifer Garner and Kate Hudson.

But enough about the people- lets talk about the DRESSES.

Over the years there have been some serious standout looks. Some good, some bad, some flat out legendary. Then there’s Bjork’s swan dress that has its own category all together… (Seriously, still…. wth??)

But being in the legendary group- THAT’S what its all about. It’s the magical moment of fashion in its most glamorous form. Like Halle Berry in Elie Saab (2002), Hilary Swank in Guy Laroche (2005), Michelle Williams in Vera Wang (2006), Julia Roberts in vintage Valentino (2001), Penelope Cruz in Atelier Versace (2007), Jennifer Lawrence in Dior (2013). Hell, even Sharon Stone in her husband’s dress shirt.

So who made Legend status this year? Personally, I didn’t see any major misses. Or, tragic ones at least. This year’s Oscars proved to be one of the more timid ones when it came to fashion statements. In other words- no one showed up as a farm animal. Instead, the risks were on a more personal level. Like wearing yellow. Or an unexpected cutout. And it paid off. Then you had your standard classics, like Reese Witherspoon. Though always stunning, Reese pulls no surprises with her strapless, mermaid cut gowns. Hey, if aint broke…

But we don’t watch the Oscars for the expected. Instead, its stars like Cate Blanchett that we rely on to make our knees weak. And Cate DID NOT disappoint this year. Winning Best Dressed, hands down, no questions asked, I literally gasped when they first showed her on screen. Wearing Armani Prive, everything was so spot on perfect about this gown. It was romantic, yet glamorous, yet unique. The color was exquisite. The details were flawless. And the dress said everything a dress is supposed to on Oscar night- LOOK. AT. ME.

Oh, we did, Cate. And we still are….

But we had a few more winners last night. Like Brie Larson (Below, Left) in a magical blue Gucci number that celebrated some of the biggest trends at the moment. The plunging neckline gave a hint of a lingerie look, while her jewel encrusted belt offered the only bit of accessorizing. And it was perfect. With its A-line cut, the skirt added extra drama through ruffles and a small train, while the top screamed total glamour. Also worth noting was the hair piece woven into her hair perfectly matched the detailing on her belt.

After that, it was Saoirse Ronan (Top, Right) who stole the show. Wearing Calvin Klein, the girl was literally dripping with that old school Hollywood glamour. But it was the cut outs and color that kept the look young and modern. Add to that the plunging neckline, and you can add bombshell to the list of everything that is SO right about this dress. Keeping with the “less is more” trend that was so dominant last night, accessories once again took a backseat.

See guys- I told you to ditch the necklaces. The only statement these girls are making are simple, but clear with a killer set of earrings and a well placed ring, or two.

Moving on to my next favorite, we have one of our red carpet alumni favorites: Charlize Theron (Below). Wearing Dior, Charlize absolutely slayed it. And at 40, I can honestly admit she has never looked better. One of the few stars to wear her hair up last night, I’m so glad she did. But just in case that wasn’t enough to direct any and all attention to that incredibly sexy neckline, a very well placed necklace guaranteed it.

HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 28: Actress Charlize Theron attends the 88th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 28, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic) — HOLLYWOOD, CA – FEBRUARY 28: Actress Charlize Theron attends the 88th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 28, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

After that, we have Mara Rooney in Givenchy. The girl definitely has a red carpet formula that works for her, and we dont ever want it to change- last time Mara walked the red carpet, she wore the same color and same designer. Again, we have a minimal accessories, keeping the focus exactly where it needs to be. And the cutout could have been a total miss… but somehow the placement is exactly what makes this dress so incredible. Its unexpected, yet completely on point. And her perfect is her complexion in white? Its a look like this that really makes you stop and realize just how incredibly beautiful Mara is.

HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 28: Actress Rooney Mara attends the 88th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 28, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic) — HOLLYWOOD, CA – FEBRUARY 28: Actress Rooney Mara attends the 88th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 28, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

So there were a lot of fashion “moments” to be had at this year’s Oscars. Though probably none more notable than Leo’s- who finally got his well deserved Oscar. It was refreshing to see celebrities really bring out their best, and keep the red carpet exactly at it should be- glamorous and awe-inducing. It brought back the excitement one hopes for as each celebrity is interviewed, elaborating on their look, and who their wearing. At the same time, it creates a sort of time stamp for our generation of the moment as new iconic looks are both established, and coveted. Because just as their films will live on, so will their looks from this night.

And you ladies certainly gave us all one to remember.

No swan dress needed.

Beauty, Blogger Style, Bohemian, Fall Fashion, Fashion, Gypsy Soul, Polyvore, Prolific Quarterly, Street Style, Trend Report, Winter Fashion

BTS With Lorraine Castle

February 15, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

…

What started as a simple collaboration between two local artists….

…would ultimately turn into a published adventure.

…

I first met Lorraine back in September. Having just relocated here, she was anxious to dive back into her first love and natural given talent- photography. And after just one look at her prior work, I was happy to help in any way I could. Together, we decided that a beach shoot made the most sense. Bohemian, natural, fashion forward…basically, everything I love. And living by the beach year round, it should be noted that bohemian is more than just a passing trend. Here, its a lifestyle. An attitude. Both of which I LOVE to shoot, as it speaks easily to my natural born gypsy soul.

Fast forward to a very unnaturally cold day in October. Remember- this is Florida. Anything below 70 is considered miserable. But not only were we dealing with chilly temps, but the wind was flat out unbearable. Especially for a shoot. For instance: blonde hair + red lip gloss + high winds = I. Cant. Even.

Unless you want to miss out on shooting one of the most beautiful series, thanks in part TO the wind.

We sure as hell didn’t.

So we powered on. And thanks to Lorraine Castle, made editorial magic on a less than magical day.

Now, because I’m a straight up hustler when it comes to achieving my goals in life, I decided to take our work one step further. Lorraine’s work was too beautiful not to. And so I took a chance with a publication that had featured some work of mine before- Prolific Quarterly. But I wanted more out of the experience than just to simply be published- that goal had already been achieved long ago. No, darling, I wanted more. I wanted to WRITE. More specifically, I wanted to make a new impact in this industry that would help me advance to the next level. I wanted to piece together an editorial, where I could write about fashion, that would feature my photos. Its kinda like having your cake, and eating it too.

And Lorraine could not have been more supportive. Because without her hard work and dedication to the project, there simply would be no cake. Or in this case, editorial. We narrowed down shots, choosing ones that made sense for the content of the article, while showcasing her talent. She edited. I wrote. And together, created a beautiful editorial that was published in Prolific Quarterly’s Winter Edition. 8 glossy pages that contained so much more than the words and pictures printed on them. Like late nights, freezing temperatures, wardrobe malfunctions, hurricane strength winds, strained eyes, short deadlines…. but above all of that- PASSION. And the belief that is was ALL going to be worth it.

And it was.

So thank you, Lorraine Castle- your professionalism and dedication are the reasons many of us strive to work with talented artists such as yourself. Because you help restore the passion and respect in this sometimes questionable industry.

Included is a gallery of some BTS shots, many of which never made it to print, but still command the attention and appreciation of Lorraine’s work.

For more info on Lorraine Castle, or to book YOUR shoot, CLICK HERE.

I hope you all love them as much as I do-

…

Until next time, Dolls…

X

Beauty, Blogger Style, Bohemian, Fashion, Model Life, Prolific Quarterly, Trend Report

Prolific Quarterly

February 14, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

Happy Valentine’s Day dolls….

Since today is all about love,

and I love YOU,

I wanted to apologize for my lack of posts lately.

However, with that comes great news that I can finally share with you all.

Starting Tuesday, February 16th, Prolific Quarterly will be featuring posts from your truly. Teaming up with this publication, which concentrates on primarily on lifestyle, entertainment and high fashion, is an absolute honor.

Many of you already know I was featured in their Winter Edition, Noir et Blanc. The experience, which started off as just a model for a pictorial, turned into writing my first published written editorial. And the rest is history. Its also a testament to what I preach most to you about on here- having confidence in yourself and living the life YOU want.

While I will continue to post work on here, I encourage you all to check out my weekly posts for Prolific Quarterly which will be updated every Tuesday.

You love and support has been an absolute blessing, and I cant wait to see what the future stills holds. And you can remain confident that whatever it brings from a fashion or beauty perspective, you’ll be able to read about it.

Because I LOVE writing about it.

To follow my posts for Prolific Quarterly, visit HERE.

To order a digital or hard copy of Noir et Blanc, visit HERE.

Stay fabulous Dolls…

X

Beauty, Blogger Style, Fashion, Spring 2016, Street Style, Trend Report

That’s A Matte.

January 17, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

Every now and then, a game changer comes along….

…

Fashion and beauty go hand in hand. And with NYFW just weeks away, we can all admit we’re just as excited to see what makeup artists will dream up to top off the sure-to-stun collections as they set the tone for fashion magic. Working closely with designers, it will be determined whether fresh faces will dominate- or a single feature. Dark lips? Neon lined eyes? Pink pouts? Its all one giant puzzle where the final image has yet to be determined.

But sometimes, just sometimes, it can be as simple as one tiny little revolutionary product. Something totally new that seemed so (up until now) impossible. Convenient AND chic. Glam AND foolproof. Liquid AND matte…. wait, what?

Do I have your attention now?

Good. Because what we’re talking about could be considered the unicorn of lipsticks. The hydrating, pigment packing, couldn’t smudge it if you tried prowess of glosses. We’re talking about… LIQUID MATTE.
I first caught wind of this fairy tale product back in December while in MAC. I was on the hunt for a vibrant purple, perfect for those days when all you need is a dramatic lip. I fell in love with Heroine instantly. Edgy, boldly bright and just a little dangerous- ironically, just how I like my men.

I bought it in both the matte lipstick, and the lipglass. Cause I’m also a girl that likes options. And THAT was when my MAC girl changed my life with one little sentence- “You know, in January, we’re releasing our new matte lipstick… it will be like having both of these products in one”.

Sign. Me. Up.

But fortunately, I didn’t have to wait till January. I hopped over to Sephora next (again, options!) and that’s when I saw it. Or them, rather. 12 beautiful shades in a glorious row of color, pigments bursting. I reached immediately for a beautiful lilac shade. I easily justified that I needed it, as it had more pink than Heroine.

And its been love ever since. My own personal game changer.

Why, you ask? Well, let me just try to explain the significant differences that has left me a lifelong fan.
Lets start with the applicator. Most gloss tubes have a soft, sponge-like end. Which is perfect for that casual smudgy effect. But when you’re dealing with something more permanent, application is crucial. And the tip on these babies is like a built in lip pencil. Its firm, and lets you draw the finest line around your lips, perfectly eliminating any possibility of the color bleeding (red lipstick is famous for this). Then, after lining, you continue to use the applicator as normal to fill in your entire pout. But again, the firmness makes the final process SO much more precise. More dramatic. Trust me, no matter what color you choose, your lips will scream “EXPERT”.

Okay, so now you’ve got it on, and you’re looking fierce. Like always. So again, whats the big deal?

The fact the you will still look just as fierce, even after your first (or fourth) latte. Also worth noting- when you first apply it, your lips will literally feel like silk. And will continue to do so, even after the product has dried- which takes a minute or two. Now usually, anything that needs to dry means it will have your lips screaming for moisture by noon. Again, not so with this. My lips can go practically all day with nothing more than a minor touch-up. And I mean literally one minor touch-up. Not 3. Not wipe it all off and totally reapply it from scratch. Which means you can also stop worrying that you have lipstick on your teeth all day. Or why people never tell you when you actually do?? And just to clarify, its Girl Code to never let a friend leave a bathroom with toilet paper on her shoes, or lipstick on her teeth.

End. Of. Story.

But lastly, lets not forget the most important reason. The reason you’re even wearing it in the first place. The COLOR. Both MAC and Sephora managed to pack so much pigment into these tubes, its hard not to think about the staining disasters that could result. But they wont. Well, after the first minute, of course. And trust me, as a single girl, I’ll happily confess- I drink a lot of lattes, and I kiss a lot of boys. So trust me when I say I’ve done my research for you on this. You’re welcome!

And while Sephora and MAC are not the only ones to carry this new genre of lipstick, they are my two personal favorites for this particular product. Soon to be a cult classic, nestled right along side NARS blush in Orgasm, the only real question remains is which shade will hold the most power in the long run.

Because just like the killer pout you so perfectly applied, this formula is here to stay.

Now go. Head on down to MAC. Or Sephora. And enjoy your latte, lipstick free. And take the poor girl with lipstick on her teeth with you.

#BombshellCode, Beauty, Blogger Style, Bohemian, Fashion, Spring 2016, Street Style, Trend Report

Part 1: Spring Has Sprung….. Almost.

January 13, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

A look at Spring/Summer 2016- what you need. NOW.

…

I’ll confess…

Spring has always been my favorite season. Never mind the warmer temperatures and longer days. Its so much more than that. Spring represents a time of new. Its as if Mother Nature finally wakes up after another long dull winter, takes a look around, cringes, and starts adding color and life to literally everything.

And you should too.

And what better place to start than within your own wardrobe. But be prepared to make plenty of room for this season’s trends. Cause you’re going to want them all.

You’re probably sick of looking at all those heavy, over-sized, curve-hiding, skin-covering pieces anyway. I AM. And that is EXACTLY why Spring is so damn amazing when it comes to fashion. Textures finally lighten up, giving way for shorter, sheerer options while colors palettes increase. I mean, REALLY increase. In addition to that, dresses become more playful. More girly. More exposed. Think flowing, draping silhouettes that will have you feeling Goddess status. Even the patterns amp it up with bold vibrancy, while accessories become more delicate. And finally, we get to trade the tired feeling of wool against our skin for something more sultry and feminine- silk.

If you weren’t already excited, you are now.

So what trends should you invest in now? If you’re like me, you collect clothes. Like an investor. You don’t shop- you build. You constantly keep your eyes open, slowly acquiring those cant-live-without-pieces to add to your collection. The show stoppers. The game changers. Its a little practice called “Buy now, wear later”. You have an entire lineup of stunners just waiting for the right occasion. Or, in this case, month. In other words:

You don’t buy the dress for the party- you go to the party so you can wear the dress.

#BombshellCode

So with that being said, lets take a look at some of the S/S 2016 trends you can count on to turn heads, no party needed.

1. Lingerie

You read that right. Except we’re not talking about the Victoria’s Secret type- people tend to frown upon you walking around in your bra and underwear. But this trend is as close as it can get. Because this season is all about the return of the slip dress. If you’re the bombshell type, you’re probably use to wearing these. Albeit, up until now, it was only at home when you were feeling casual and that was the best you could do. But now, even running to Starbucks in one is fair game. And a simple adjustment in accessories can take the look straight into night. Or, tone it down and keep it more boho with ankle boots. Because the best part about this trend is the versatility factor. Keep it as glam, or as quirky as you please- you’ll look amazing either way.

Pro Tip: To keep the look extra sexy and authentic, shop vintage. Not only will you score something unique, but the idea of a retro slip is sooooo much more chic.

Below, from top left, Chloe RTW S/S 16, Vintage, and Saint Laurent RTW S/S 16.

…

2. Modern Bohemian- barely there boho meets vibrant tropical prints

Once again, the bohemian trend shows no end in site. And I LOVE it. But this time, feel free to go wild with it. And by wild, I mean prints. Its Boho, but with a twist. Its less about the simplicity of pieces and lace details and more about dramatic details. Like birds. Or at the very least, feathers….

From left, McQueen, Gucci, Valentino and McQueen again (full sized).

But boho is more than birds and feathers right now. Its about embellishment. Whether its patches or patterns, color is key. And lots of it….

…

3. Pleats

If you suddenly got excited when I mentioned flowing fabrics earlier, than this look is all you.

Maxi dresses have never looked so lux. And who would have thought that something as simple as pleat would be the element to take a standard spring staple from comfy to flat out goddess. And the colors are a visual feast for everyone. Get ready to stop traffic…

…

4. Metallics

Accessory lovers, get excited. I mean, even more excited than you already are. Cause you get to have some fun this season. During Fashion Week, we saw everything from the return of spikes, to gloves, to beyond oversized statement necklaces. But one thing was consistent- the use of metallics. Bronze or pewter, they’re both on point. And even better when worn together. So mix it up, or tie your look together with one bold piece. Its all fair game.

Pro tip: NOTHING looks better against metallics than tan skin. But for the sake of safety, skip the tanning bed and hit Sephora instead. Get your golden glow on without a side of cancer.

So there you go, dolls.

These trends should keep you inspired enough to safely secure how you’ll be spending that upcoming tax refund. Personally, mine is pretty much as good as gone… Or at the very least, these ideas will keep you busy until Part 2. But just like everything else, spring will be here before you know it. And its always better to lead the way with fashion. So take these tips, and twist them into your own unique way to express yourself this season. Because just like I always stress, no matter your style, it should always represent you.

So… what do you want to say to the world this Spring?

Till next time…

X

Beauty, Blogger Style, Fall Fashion, Fashion, Street Style, Trend Report, Winter Fashion

Faux Sure

January 1, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

Fauxbulous, darling.

What? You think a girl that lives in Florida cant rock a faux fur coat? Let me go on record to say that I will risk suffering from heat stroke before I miss out on one of my favorite seasonal trends. And with a little help from my friend Lorraine Castle, you’ll be able to see more on how I pull this off this month in the upcoming issue of Prolific Quarterly.

Part boho, part glam, consider this lux piece THE accessory for pulling off winter chic. It adds just the right amount of edge while complimenting a perfectly put together outfit, chic or casual.

Below are a few of my favorite picks, all available now….

Glam Faux Fur Coat from bebe, $229

My favorite purchase in recent weeks, this coat screams “Boss“. Hitting at just the right length, and with just the right volume, it packs just the right wow factor. AND its cozy. Added bonus- it kind of gives off that Carrie Bradshaw look circa Seasons 1 & 2. Her coat was everything…

Snag it online here- bebe

Wanderess Shag Jacket by Lovers & Drifters, $159

This jacket is literally life. It has that perfect vintage vibe, while the color gives off that “I don’t care” attitude. As you can see, it works perfect with little underneath- literally. So you wont have to give it up when the temperatures start rising again. And why would you want to?

Visit here for info- Lovers & Drifters

Now how can you work this look into your current wardrobe?

Easy…

Any. Way. You. Want. To.

The key here is to balance the heavy texture according with the occasion. I’ve worn my to work many days, draped casually over a short, loose dress. For this style, think Free People- they are iconic for mixing fabrics, like chunky knits with lace. And this stunner, featured in the October catalog is perfection….

But maybe you want to stand out? And who can blame you? After all, fashion is a way of expressing yourself without having to say a word. So turn some heads with color. My personal favorite is a deep jewel-toned green. Its still muted enough to be appropriate for any outing, yet pops…. especially against gray skies.

Or you can go all out. And I know all too well how drab things can get mid-winter. So go for it. Brighten up your day, and everyone else’s.

No one will be mad at you when you look this damn good-

But maybe no matte what the shade, you still feel basic in one hue.

Don’t worry girl- I gotchu too.

Simply break up a monochromatic look underneath with lux patterns on top.

Another way to rock this look- Vintage.

This is for my bohemian babies. The Coachella loving, effortlessly sexy, music queens.

Leather leggings, vintage rocker tee’s, wide brimmed fedoras, flowing lace- you love it all. So a coat that screams 70’s glam is just another one of the many details you adorn each day just to say one thing- You love music AND fashion.

But we’re not done yet….

I’m talking about accessories.

Maybe you just need a touch of added glam for your already on-point outfit?

You’ll be able to add that touch pretty much anywhere you’d like this season. From fur trimmed gloves- elbow length, please- to detailed handbags, nothing is off limits.

But my personal favorite winter accessory of choice is still an oversized scarf. Its perfect to wear all day when you want to say “Boss”, and simple enough to throw on to run errands. The plusher the “fur”, the more dramatic the effect. Don’t forget a flawless red pout to go with.

Head to Anthropologie to score these posh numbers-

One thing is for certain thought- no matter how you choose to rock this trend, be prepared to feel like royalty.

Without the guilt.

Because no matter the trend, it is NEVER a good look when it involves the pain and torture of another for unnecessary luxuries. Especially when there are so many other ways that offer the exact look and feel.

Fashion is just another tool to inspire and empower others. It should make the person wearing it feel good. Strong. Confident.

And those feelings will never be obtained, nor respected, when you have blood on your hands.

Photographer- Lorraine Castle

So express yourself- but express yourself with compassion. Always be sure that the message you’re sending is one you can be proud of.

That never goes out of style.

#BombshellCode

X

#BombshellCode, Bohemian, Confessions, Gypsy Soul, Sorry I'm No Sorry

Cancel and Continue

January 1, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

…

I’m on the pursuit of happiness…

New Years is always an interesting time. Some see it as an ending, others a new beginning. Both as a fresh start. Or, you just see it as an opportunity to buy a new outfit, drink champagne and make out in public acceptably.

I personally am all for the new dress part.

But above all, I see it as a time of reflection. A way to summarize how I’ve grown by the lessons I learned. And with that comes a chance to develop an action plan. Call it a Bucket List for personal growth. For instance, some days I think I have this whole adulting thing nailed. I made it to work, I drank actual water, AND I did laundry. Go me. And then there are days where I eat ice cream straight from the container with the freezer open and refuse to put on pants. And in all honesty- that will most likely be my game plan tomorrow. But pants or no pants, I’d still like to think that I’ve evolved into a slightly better version of myself over the last year. That I’ve gained a slightly higher awareness of who I am, what I can contribute, and who I still have yet to be.

Its called acceptance.

And its not easy.

Its not easy to accept that you spent another year dating guys that broke your heart. Its not easy to accept that you didn’t make time for that epic roadtrip to California. And its definitely not easy to accept that you lost some friends along the way, and you’re not even sure why.

But it happened. All of it. And you have to stop asking why. Life is too short for that.

And start asking: How are you going to use this to learn? To grow? To be better? To try harder?

And, most importantly, is this the year you’re finally going to stop kissing douchebags? Probably not, but still….

And so New Year’s is the time you take all the things that happened over the last year, the good AND the bad, and you put it behind you. And you carry on with only the lessons. Pants, or no pants.

You cancel and continue.

Below are the lessons I’m taking with me into the new year. And who knows, maybe this will be the year I finally meet someone, creating the most electric “Power Couple” since Becks and Posh.

Or maybe I’ll keep eating ice cream in my underwear.

Either way, I’ll be just fine…

And you will be too.

…

And now, my observations from my always beautiful-yet-slightly-confusing pursuit of happiness thus far….

Do what makes you happy. Whatever it is. People will criticize you either way. Accept it, erase it, and move on. It usually has nothing to do with you, but is rather a reflection of their own unhappiness.

Look for the highlight of your day, every day. Some are harder to find than others, but I promise- there will be at least one moment, every day, where you’ll find happiness in simply being alive. And that alone is worth it all.

Let it be. Whatever it is you’re holding on to- hurt, resentment, jealousy. Its in the past now. Keep it there.

Live in the present. In everything you do. Living in the past leads to depression. And waiting on the future creates anxiety. But being in the now could be pure magic- should you allow it.

My mother is my best friend. As I get older, it becomes increasingly clear how defining her love and guidance has been, and continues to be, in my life. Her love for me continues to amaze me. As does her patience.

Figure out what defines you. And own it. Then figure out how you can use it to help others.

You are enough. Whoever you are at this moment. Don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise. Walk away from anyone who makes you doubt your worth.

Trust your gut. If you’re still in doubt, Google it.

If it doesn’t make sense, its probably not true. Its as simple as that.

Wear your heart on your sleeve. Don’t be afraid of who you are. Or how you feel. The people that are meant to be in your life will only value you more for it.

At the same time, knowledge is power. Be careful with what you dispense to others. And remember that those who talk to you, will talk about you.

Be the person you want to date. If you want honestly, give it. If you want love, exude it. If you want a one night stand, go on Tinder.

Say what you mean, mean what you say. Even those with nothing still have the value of their word. Don’t cheapen yourself. Or sell yourself short.

When in doubt, over-dress. Always.

Give. Whatever you can. As much as you can. Even if its just your time, I promise that there is someone out there who needs it.

Get to know your body. Love every inch of it. Do everything you can to take care of it. And let no one disrespect it. It is the greatest tool you will ever own.

Stop saying “I’m sorry” all the time. Save it for the times when you truly mean it. People will take it a lot more seriously.

Slow down. You will be amazed at all the incredible things around you, literally ALL THE TIME… if you just take a minute to see them. People ARE still good. Miracles DO happen. And wishes DO come true.

With the right chemistry, kissing is bliss. And cuddling is heaven. But doing either with just anyone will only leave you feeling cheated.

Choose wisely. When faced with a difficult decision, ask yourself which consequence you would rather live with. Go with that one.

Perception is reality. So pay attention. Make sure that the projection of your own self is something you’re happy with.

Remain optimistic. Especially with love. You’re going to get hurt. But don’t let it make you cynical. Keep your heart open. But protect it with all you got.

Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. The race is long. And in the end, its only with yourself.

If a boy wants to see you, he will see you. That goes for calling, texting and any other form of communication including smoke signals. End of story.

Make some art. Whatever art is to you. Do it. Indulge in your creativity. It is the most personal and unique imprint you can leave behind. It will also most likely be the most cherished after you are gone.

Find someone you can be free with. Sexually, emotionally, physically, spiritually- and go fucking WILD.

But….

Be careful with who you exchange energy with. You can give a lot away while seeing very little in return. Reevaluate anyone or anything in your life that consistently leaves you feeling drained. Cut your losses and move on.

Learn how to communicate again. Stop texting. Be authentic. Make time to be genuine to those you care about.

Not everyone is going to know how to receive your energy. Make peace with that and move on. Never dull your shine for the sake of someone else.

Don’t be scared. Or anything. Or anyone.

Be kind. It will always be better to build someone up, rather than tear them down.

Travel. There are some lessons that can only be learned by taking yourself out of your comfort zone. These will be the lessons you will appreciate the most.

People change. Some for the good, some not so much. Only you can decide which one. Then keep it to yourself. Not everyone will take the same path as you. And that’s a beautiful thing.

Smile. Even when you think you cant, you can. Not only will you feel better, but you might help someone else out too. A lot of great things started with just a smile…

It really is the simple things. I’m talking about nature. Watch a meteor shower. Go to the beach at night. Hike every chance you get. Your soul will thank you.

Bob Marley’s 3 Little Birds. Live it, learn it, love it. Make it your anthem. Listen to it in the morning. Let it set the standard for your day.

Most of the apologies you’re waiting to hear will never happen. Forgive them anyways. At the same time, ask yourself if anyone is waiting on yours.

Its okay to be single. Its also okay to feel lonely at times. Both are temporary.

And finally-

You have done SO much better than you give yourself credit for. At the end of the day…or year, in this case, we all have things we wish we could change. Or do over. Or do again. There are people we will miss. And people we hope we never see again. But when you break it all down, and see all the experiences you went through, I hope it hits you-

You’re still here.

You survived. And you came out a stronger, better, wiser person for it.

So keep trying. Keep fighting. Keep believing in love. Keep planning your roadtrip. Keep banning pants. And above all, keep being a good person. Because if for nothing else, go into the new year believing this-

For whatever you put out, the universe will give you back 3 fold in return.

Its the Law of Attraction, darling.

And I’m all about that life.

Now go drink some champagne, cheers to life, and manifest something amazing for yourself.

And have a fabulous New Year- may it be your best year yet.

#BombshellCode

X

Blogger Style, Fall Fashion, Fashion, Street Style, Trend Report, Winter Fashion

All That Glitters

November 13, 2015 Liberata Leave a comment

First off, you should all know this now- I am a sequin whore. And it makes sense with gold being my favorite color. Which also might explain why I’m so obsessed with accessories. And gowns. And have absolutely zero fear of standing out in a crowd. I adore shine. Glitz. Glamour.

“The next day I was in The Village looking for the perfect $7 dress to go with my $300 shoes…”

This quote from Sex & the City summarizes my style perfectly. And it has very little to do with price. Instead, its about the hunt. The desire to find something unique and personal to define…..ME. MY style. Because ideally that’s exactly what fashion should be about. Different and special to each individual. Sure, we have trend reports and fashion weeks to help set the stage for us, but ultimately its up to YOU to put your own spin on things. To take trends and incorporate them into your already existing style. Not to follow the masses. That would make you….a basic bitch. Unless, of course, your goal is to blend in?

No darling. Trends come and go. But style? That’s forever.

And so with that, comes the time of year fashionistas defy limits (if they ever really set any). Because with colder temps comes maximum opportunity to play with and layer pretty much anything. Chunky cable-knit sweaters would be ridiculous in the summer- but a barely there dress works fine in December…. with the right accessories.

Which brings me to my point. Accessories are life to the fashion-obsessed. They are the signature tools that uniquely define, and therefore separate us. And signature is key. They should be bold. Eye-catching. Different. Strategically placed creative spins on classic theories. Or classic spins on modern theories. That’s the creative beauty of the whole thing- anything goes.

SATC is probably one of the most widely known ways things were worn in ways that were considered [at the time] different.

For example, remember the giant, oversized flowers? Exactly. Or when she wore the dramatic ballgown skirt to dinner with The Russian. Or paired one with a Dior tee in the 2nd movie. The odd crown-like headband while trying on wedding dresses? From leather gloves, to fur coats, to headwear, Patricia Field knew how to add a totally unexpected pop to any outfit while maintaining balance.

If you aren’t excited yet by the ideas already running through your head, you’re doing it wrong.

Either way, here are some of my favorite looks I plan to capitalize on over the next few months. With trends already heavy with 70’s swag, we have every reason to cash in on anything that shines. Think over-embellished. Plunging necklines. Come hither boots. Bold prints. And with Christmas and New Years just around the corner, you literally will have zero reason not to shine exactly like the diamond you are…

1. SEQUINS

If you’re a girl that likes to be seen, much like myself, then this is for you. You might not be the first one on the dance floor- but you know how to make an entrance. You like to look, and FEEL, glam. And with the holidays approaching fast, you’re free to wear them anytime, day or night. The key here is balance. For daytime, stick to one adorned piece- a mini skirt, top or blazer. Any color works. But if you’re going to go sequined, go all the way and choose something in a jewel tone. SO. PRETTY! Now for night- anything goes. Free People has a STUNNING collection of dresses available right now. Starting at $98, they are the epitome of perfection. And with their iconic soft neutral hues, low necklines and backless cuts, it will be hard to find a reason NOT to wear them.

Below are a few notable pieces that I’ve personally scored, for ALL budgets:

Balmain for H&M, $199

Forever 21, $38.50

(wear it backwards for a plunging neckline instead)

Free People, Tarnished Gold Tunic ($298) and Sexy In Sequins Slip ($98)

And with mini dresses comes maximum accessories. Any of these pieces can be dressed up or down by adding things as simple as a leather jacket. Or a blazer. Wear thigh high boots. Or add a simple heel. A thicker heel will make it more daytime appropriate. Heading to the office? Throw a pencil skirt on over it. You will literally have zero excuses not to work one of these gorgeous numbers into your daily wardrobe.

2. ITS ALL IN THE DETAILS

Did you ever find yourself looking enviously at women from the past, perfectly put together from head to toe, dripping with lux and class? It was a common standard to be perfectly groomed. From driving gloves to hats, they made a basic trip to the grocery store look like a glamorous adventure. Today, we’re lucky if women put on pants. No, really.

Well this is your chance. Thanks to the rebirth of vintage, nothing is off limits when it comes to accessorizing. Recently I set out to on a mission for such pieces. And for this kind of mission, vintage truly is best. And fortunately for me, I have a gem of a store literally right down the street. A darling shop by the name of Retro Rosie’s, they wont take a thing made after 1975. The owner combs other shops, homes and yard sales to salvage the best of the best. I’m talking items like prom dresses from the 50’s. Shift dresses from the 60’s. Bell bottomed Levi’s from the 70’s. And statement jewelry from literally every era. Bags… shoes… hats… its ALL there under one glorious roof. This place is my nirvana. When I visit, I literally spend hours transforming myself into every generation. Last hull scored me my best finds yet, scoring several sets of white leather gloves, shag wraps and some costume jewelry.

I imagined the gloves had been worn by some fierce glamazon at Studio 54, holding a glass of champagne while dancing with Andy Warhol. Probably not…. but still. I bought them in 3 lengths, planning to wear them all scrunched a bit. Add a few cuffs on top for some extra drama. But I’ll warn you- these are not for those who cannot be without their cell ph0nes for long spurts of time. Touchscreens and glove-covered fingers just don’t agree.

As for the brooches, we’ve discussed this cant-live-without fall accessory for some time now in other posts. But I wanted to add that the beauty of these pieces is you can usually find vast amounts, in varying sizes and colors, for next to nothing. I paid about $8 a piece, picking ones that reflected my personality.

Lastly- SHAG COATS. If there was ever a heaven for these pieces, vintage shops would be it. But they are also the hardest piece to find. Mainly because they get scooped up so quickly. Sure, you can buy a new one online for practically nothing. And you may have to. But if you have the patience, go for authentic. I promise the quality and overall look with be worth it. And you probably wont pay much more for it. I would also advise checking local thrift stores. Same thing- they go fast, but it will broaden the possibilities.

Above I showed you some of the different pieces I’ve collected over the last few weeks. And today I want to try something different. Something more personal. Something that I do everyday with my wardrobe. So I selected a few of the aforementioned pieces, and styled them multiple ways, for multiple occasions. And the best part? Every look was under $500. 1 was even under $50 (thank you H&M!).

The first two pieces were scored at H&M. Available now.

Top $9.99, Skirt $14.99, Vintage Belt/Gloves/Clutch

There’s so much to love about the versatility of both pieces. Wear together for a show-stopping effect, or tone it down with a solid tank or leather pencil skirt.

Next was the ultimate score. The possibilities are endless with this stunner. And considering the dress was just under $40, you’ll have plenty of cash left over to discover them…

It starts off simple enough. One bold number, flipped backwards so the plunge is in the front. A set of vintage gloves ($10), my favorite Chanel cuff ($350) and a vintage clutch is all a girl needs to turn [more than] a few heads.

But I didn’t stop there….

Remember the H&M shirt? Mmmhmmmm….

Perfection.

Now lets edge things up a bit, shall we?

Swap the gloves for a fitted lather jacket. This particular one is vegan leather, from American Eagle (no longer available).

Oh, but you’re fancy, huh? I got you covered too…

My personal favorite look, and the one I’ll most likely rock first-

And for even more style inspiration on both casual and killer ways to rock sequins this season, visit HERE.

So go ahead, dolls…. Whether your look is classic, rebel or bombshell, dare to stand out this fall in the most beautiful way a girl can. AND do it without sacrificing your rent. And don’t forget to show me how you’ll be rocking this trend- tag me in your pictures on Instagram (@LiberataDolce).

#BombshellCode, Dating, Sorry I'm No Sorry

“Why Are You Still Single?”

November 5, 2015 Liberata Leave a comment

…

Recently, I read an article about a teacher who quit her job after no longer being able to withstand modern teaching methods. She watched as her students struggled and became frustrated when they were all forced to learn the same methods, the same way, at the same time. The students who weren’t able to grasp concepts the same way as others who picked them up quickly felt like there was something wrong with them. They wanted to learn- it wasn’t for lack of effort- they just needed a different process. And preferring to look like the “bad kid” instead of the “stupid kid”, they would act out. Or, they would simply give up all together.

I couldn’t help but notice the similarities with dating these days.

In a culture where everything is instant, socially broadcast and easily replaced, its easy to figure out who’s in love…. and who’s single. Its also equally easy to feel the pressure of your status more than ever- because apparently, it says A LOT about you. Accurate or not.

And as someone happily residing in Singleville, I. Am. Over. It.

As I’ve mentioned before, in my group of friends, I’m “that girl“. Notoriously single, and rather comfortable with it, I’m used to being questioned and prodded by my friends like a circus monkey. I cant really blame them- my dating life is WAY more comical than anything you’ll find on Netflix. And I don’t mind dishing. Plus, it kinda helps me cope with the trauma from bad dates with clueless fuck boys. Yes, wine and laughter really does cure ALL.

But as open as I am about my failed romances- and I use that term loosely- there is one question that I find not only unnecessary, but offensive:

Why are you still single?

Um, gee, well, it might be that chain letter I never forwarded back in 1998. Or my inability to cook. Or maybe, totally unbeknownst to me, I’m actually insane. Plus, I kinda dig cats. Oh, and I’m also vegetarian?

Or maybe- how about this: What business is it of yours?

To me, asking someone why they’re single is really just a polite way of asking what’s wrong with them. Like my current status in life is so horrible and unimaginable, there must be SOME reasonable explanation. This is when people usually reply with bullshit answers to avoid pity and make them look less grotesque and more human: I work too much… I’m just focusing on me right now… I’m waiting for Adam Levine to become available again (please God!!)… So, just to keep things fair, I usually just answer the question with another question:

How are you still not?

Pow. And this is the exact moment where everyone can grab their popcorn and wait for the shit show to begin. Because apparently asking someone for a reasonable explanation on how they’ve managed to find someone to put up with their flaws is frowned upon.

And that right there is what we call a double standard.

You get my point? I’m not damaged goods. I’m not unlovable. And I’m certainly not crazy. I’m not anything but me. Like the frustrated kids in class, I’m simply operating on a different system. And while my system may not be the same as yours, I’ll still get the right answer.

(And by the way- is it not complete irony that I was in all Honors classes??)

My point is, THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH ME. There’s no dark and twisty past. No fear of commitment. Except maybe to the wrong guy. So what if I haven’t followed a pre-determined timeline of dating, by basic methods, where the final exam is marriage. The SAT’s of love. And let me just say- there are quite a few of you that have already failed that one miserably.

Maybe I’m fine taking all the prep courses I can for now. So when the time comes to apply all that knowledge, I’ll knock it clear out of the park.

Maybe, while everyone else is cheating off each other’s papers, I’m simply concentrating on my own. On my time. My way.

And maybe… just maybe, I actually care so much about it, that I want to be the best one in the class. The Valedictorian of my life.

And in all honesty, looking back, my time being single has never been time wasted. I am someone who is constantly evolving. Constantly learning. Probably more so than others. And there has been no greater teacher than my time with my own self. And while I’m not saying there aren’t things to discover with the help of someone else, I am saying that you need to know yourself first. Cause any relationship prior to that isn’t a relationship at all- its a distraction.

So in case you haven’t caught on yet- being single has nothing to with anyone but ME. Forget the god awful quotes you read on Tumbler. You know which ones I’m talking about…

Yeah. Exactly. Stop posting that ridiculous shit. “Amazing” should be a no-brainer. It should be the bare minimum of traits in your significant other. It should not need a Pinterest board to remind you- or anyone else– of that. Instead, remind yourself of your own amazing attributes. They are SO much more interesting.

As we grow, we go through our own personal life experiences at different times. Our first date… Our first kiss… Our first love… Our second… Some people go on to Grad School. Some never even finish High School. These are the very factors that make each of us so beautifully unique. So why should anything else have an expiration date. There are no numbers stamped on me that say “Best by ##/##/####”. And yet here we all are, happily going on about our days, doing the best we can, trying to achieve our own goals. So just like all the other beautiful, unique factors that make you YOU, who is anyone to determine the timeline for all the things still to come?

So the next time someone asks why you’re still single- tell them the truth.

That you’re not single.

You’re fine.

In fact, you’re more than just fine-

You’re fabulous.

#BombshellCode

(Although I might start forwarding those chain letters- just in case… ;))

X

#BombshellCode, Beauty, Blogger Style

Bombshell Down- Surviving Cold Season Like A Boss

October 13, 2015 Liberata Leave a comment

Remember when you were a kid, and being sick was actually kind of awesome? You got to stay home from school, watch all the bad TV you otherwise weren’t allowed to, AND you got spoiled by Mom? And while being sick was never really fun, it was tolerable. Comforting. There was no real rush to recover, because there was no real rush for, well… anything.

And then you grew up.

And with growing up came responsibilities. Priorities. In other words- the inability to simply just disconnect from the world and recover for a few days. You discovered that life goes on, bills need paid, and empires need run. Even if you look (and feel) like an extra in The Walking Dead. Plain and simple- you realized that no one really cares.

Except Mom. Mom’s always care. 🙂 And I love mine very much for that.

So after being down with a cold for about a week, I discovered a few things about myself. Or my evolvement, rather. I learned how to power through and still give it my all. How to still handle business, even when the only deadline you care about is your own. But most importantly- how to still be a leader to a team that needed me, and deserves to have me at my best. All the time.

And I learned how to do it WITHOUT making myself worse.

So I’m going to share my tips on how to survive Cold Season. And not only survive it- but own it. Because like the old saying goes, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Even if it is only your immune system.

1. HYDRATE

You should be doing this already. In fact, if you were doing it properly to begin with, you probably wouldn’t even be sick. That old saying you’ve all heard- if you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated? It’s true. And should never be taken lightly. But if you’re like me, you will happily choose an iced caramel macchiato over ice water any day. So I cant really blame you. But NOW is the time to start chugging. Well, don’t chug. But seriously- start drinking. A lot. We’re all smart enough to know the benefits of water at this point. But we also need to remember that it helps flush toxins from your body.

It also might help to know that you can infuse your water with things like lemon, mint, berries- so there’s no excuse for those that claim they don’t “like” water. That’s just stupid. You kind of have to like it- your entire body is practically made up of it. Look at water the same way you do an Hermes bag- with nothing but total love and admiration.

Personally, I like to mix mint and lemon in mine. For me, its all about presentation. I have a huge beautiful vintage glass pitcher that I keep in my refrigerator at all times. It was my Dad’s, and he was a BIG believer in drinking water. So it reminds me to never take my health for granted, and that doing something so simple as drinking water can (and will) make or break you. Plus, something about it always being there and ready to drink makes it so much easier. I use fresh mint that I grow myself, along with fresh squeezed lemons- those I did not grow myself. Honestly, I can barely keep the mint alive… Occasionally I’ll blend the mint with berries and a little honey for an extra source of antioxidants. And flavor. I’ve also been known to add small amounts of Sweet N Low. But the sweetener is up to you. My advice is to start off using it just to get in the habit of drinking more water in general, and then wean yourself off.

Keep a pitcher like this full and ready, and you’ll never have he desire to reach for anything else again. Accept wine. Which is totally acceptable.

#BombshellCode

2. FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT

That’s right. Because even if you feel like shit, it doesn’t mean you have to look the part. And I know- that’s way easier said than done. Its hard to imagine even getting out of bed, much less mastering your standard AM beauty routine.

Relax- I gotchu girl. (Or boy!)

First, take your time. There’s no way around it. Your energy is depleted, seeing that your body is doing everything it can to fight off all those nasty germs. And you need to let it. But rolling into work looking like the troll that lives under the bridge isn’t going to make anyone happy. Now, we all wish that we worked at places where employers were sympathetic and understanding. If you’re lucky enough to have this, take advantage of it. Please. Stay home. Rest. And save your fellow co-workers from getting infected. Not to mention, yourself from being the asshole that got everyone sick. NO ONE likes that person. You’re now that kid that eats their hair in the back of the classroom- we ALL had one of those. Fortunately, I recently found myself with a company who cares, so I was able to rest for a day after being sent home. They didn’t want me to be that asshole either. But maybe you don’t have that leisure. Or sick time. Or anyone else to do what you do. So… lets get you ready for battle.

Take a hot shower. And I mean HOT. Its amazing what steam can do for the body. Not only will it help wake you up, but it opens everything. From your pores to your sinuses. And sinus pressure is one of the most unbearable symptoms of being sick. Dizziness, earaches… mine get so packed even my teeth hurt. But the steam will help loosen it all and will be a major factor in how well you’ll feel for the day.

DONT wash your hair. Save the energy. Dry shampoo is your best friend right now, if it wasn’t already. Zap your strands and let it dry. Then simply rough up your hair with your fingers for added texture and throw that mane into a messy topknot. Up high, down low, to the side- it doesn’t matter. Its the lifesaver of hairstyles simply because the messier it looks, the better. Its the IDGAF (but I kind actually do) look that we all know and love- so WORK IT.

My personal favorite-

Dress comfortable. Yes, this is your Get Out Of Jail Free Card for the fashionistas. No heels. No crazy accessories. No body hugging fabrics. If leggings are acceptable workplace attire, use it to your advantage. A cute off the shoulder sweater will keep you warm while still keeping you on point. But lets say you work in a No Legging Zone. That’s okay- find a maxi dress and pair it with a blazer. Regardless of what you choose, ADD A SCARF. Not only is it super comforting when your sick, but it will help keep your throat warm, and you looking chic. The bigger, the better. Plus, its easy to bury your face into during those inevitable times throughout the day when you feel like you’re going to die. PS- you wont!

Style tip– I like my scarfs with a lot of drama. In other words, LOTS of fabric and length so I can wrap it multiple times. But not a lot of scarves come this way, with the exception of blanket scarves. So to get that look, I simply take two scarves with patterns/colors that work well together. And I wrap them together. And boom- I have the perfect amount of extra body and thickness that you picture when you think of Fall.

Lastly- Makeup. Yes, I’m sorry, you still have to wear it. Just not as much of it. No, its not about vanity. Its about doing everything you can to make yourself feel better. Because you will literally feel better. And going out into public looking like a hot mess is not going to help you. Its my personal belief that if you feel bad about yourself, you cant help but look bad. At the same time, thinking you look bad, will make you feel worse. Its a no-win situation. So just avoid it. Take 5 minutes to a basic face- a little concealer and brightener can go a long, long way. Groom your brows, throw on some gloss, and handle it. Anything else will be a complete waste as you will no doubt wipe it all off after blowing your nose for the 50th time. But I promise- the effort here will be worth it. It feels pointless at the time, but you’ll be so glad you did once you’re at work. Plus, it will keep children from being completely terrified of you. If they weren’t already… 😉

Here’s all you need for a basic, yet flawless face:

(click on picture to enlarge)

3. GET TO WORK

When you’re there, let people know you’re not feeling well. No, don’t whine about it. We all hate that. Instead, let them know so they can steer clear and avoid catching whatever it is you have. Its courteous, and hopefully will earn you a slightly easier day. In other words, maybe an extra task that would involve staying late might be put off for another day. But again- don’t come across as whiny. Simply state the facts- “Hey guys, I’m a little under the weather today. You might want to email me anything you need. Me and my disinfectant will be in my office…”. Hopefully you have a good crew you will understand and will proceed with caution. Or you have a crew who couldn’t care less and will enjoy passing your cold around for the next 4 months.

4. REST

I cant stress this enough. You showed up. You played the part. You got shit done. Now its time to rest and let your body recover. No Happy Hour. No reality TV. No Empire marathons. No social media- no one wants to here you whine there either. Put your eye mask on, and just sleep. And hydrate. Sleep and hydrate. This will be your life for the next 24 to 48 hours. Accept it now and you will be well on your way back to Diva status. Or Boss status. Or if your like me, both.

5. TOTAL WORLD DOMINATION

You did it. You survived. Hopefully with a stronger immune system and greater respect for H2O. Get rid of any evidence that this cold even existed. Strip your bed sheets. Clorox everything. Stock your fridge with better, healthier foods. Sign up for yoga. Go for a walk. Consider this your chance to be reborn into a more health conscience version of yourself- forever invincible to colds, flus and men with no ambition.

But darling- above all- drink your damn water.

Your body is a temple, after all.

So start treating it like one.

X

Beauty, Blogger Style, Fashion, Street Style

Winter Trend Report- 70’s Disco Chic

October 4, 2015 Liberata Leave a comment

…

Get Your Chic On.

Once again, this vintage look shows zero signs of going away. Instead, this season its more amped. Think less Flower Child twirling in a field, and more late night NYC at the disco.

Think Bianca Jagger.

A regular at Studio 54 (she even celebrated her 30th birthday there, riding in on a white horse), this rocker wifey became the fashion icon of 70’s disco style. Those who haven’t already turned to her for inspiration need to start doing their homework. Now.

Liquid gold replaces delicate lace. Textures are bigger (and warmer) with shag coats and sequence. Bold red lips (tips and tricks on this here) will take center stage in your makeup routine. Gold – including Rose Gold – will dominate accessories. Throw out your skinnies to make room for flares. BIG flares. And jewel tones take over while neutrals take a back seat.

I would include fur, but I HATE that shit. We at LiberataDolce.com will never support, nor endorse animal cruelty. And I would encourage you to do the same.

#BombshellCode

But lets get back to what we DO support:

Like plunging necklines. Remember Amy Adams in American Hustle? Her wardrobe in that movie was literally everything. And this is where girls packing a small bust win. Not that girls with anything over a B cant pull it off. But there is a very fine line between 70s chic and just straight up street. Fashion tape will be required, regardless of size.

We’re also very big fans of bold prints. And jewel tones. On everything. Be brave and mix them. No really- go ahead. After all, the entire point of the 70’s was to make a statement. And YOUR statement should be “I’m a fierce bitch”. Because you are.

And now for my personal favorite- the shag coat. I literally die when I look at mine, wishing for temps frosty enough to wear them again. White is a simple, no-fail way to pull it off, but I encourage you to look for ones with color/prints. I even scored one last year with jeweled shoulders. You can view it HERE.

We also believe in breaking free of fashion ruts (I’m talking about YOU skinny jeans) and breathing life into old favorites (hello flares!). And Free People is your go-to for these. Their Super Flares are so on point, you’ll want to live in them. AND their long enough to wear with a heel.

Lastly- we will ALWAYS support a red pout. While hard to pull off during the summer, I literally sleep in my MAC Russian Red during the Fall/Winter. Red lips scream glamour. Boss. Confidence.

And I already know what you’re thinking- it leaves you looking washed out. Wrong. The wrong shade of red leaves you looking washed out. So head to your nearest MAC counter and let them show you the light. Or red, in this case. As mentioned before, head over to my Beauty page (click here) for tips on the perfect application.

But above all, we believe in the ability of putting your own spin on things. Trends come and go, but who YOU are should be reflected in WHAT you wear. That, my dear, is what we call “Style”. Because Bianca didn’t become an icon by copying outfits she saw on Instagram. She became an icon by following her [fabulous] instinct and wearing what felt right to her. No stylist. No social media. And she OWNED it.

So take these tips, and put your own spin on it. Create your signature Winter look, whatever it may be. Just make sure you do it with lots of gold. And LOTS of attitude. 😉

Now go forth- and be fabulous, you sexy thing.

#BombshellCode

X

“I said ‘Hey babe, take a walk on the wild side'”- Lou Reed

Blogger Style, Fashion, Street Style

Hats Off To Fall

September 28, 2015 Liberata Leave a comment

…

Oh. My. God.

Its here.

And by “it”, I mean Fall. Today is officially the first day of my absolute favorite season. And no- its not for the pumpkin spice lattes either. Personally I think they’re overrated (and gross). Yeah, I said it. Feel free to direct any hate mail to NoOneCares@EspeciallyMe.com.

But here’s why I DO love it: chilly nights, the changing of leaves, fires, sweaters, hot apple cider (spiked, please), scarves, and the return of layering. And really, the return of ALL accessories. From gloves to hats, your style options nearly double thanks to the cooler temps.

Which brings me to my current obsession-

Hats.

I’m also comfortable enough to admit to you guys that this wasn’t always a trend that I was on board with. I thought every hat looked “stupid” on me. Seriously. So much so that I refused to even try them on in public. Now don’t get me wrong- some still do. I will never pull off a baseball cap (and I’m not all that said about it either). But something happened recently. Something amazing. Something so sinfully good I can feel myself biting my lip as I type this.

What happened was….

I stopped giving a shit about what anyone else thought.

And I put on a hat. Except I didn’t just throw it on, while I breezed out my door with that kind of effortless grace that makes you think of Audrey Hepburn. No, child. But I applaud those that can.

Instead, I looked at the things I didn’t like when I had on a hat on. Because as it would turn out, it really wasn’t the hat at all. It never was. It was everything around it- my hair, my neckline, even my lip color. So basically, I learned how to frame it. I learned that a wide brimmed fedora is everything. And that I like my hats cocked to one side, and slightly over one eye. That I like to pull my hair into a big, messy sideknot. That I like a bright, dramatic lip so it pops next to the dark fabric. And that I LOVE pairing a hat with a giant scarf.

Here’s a look at #WhatIWoreToday

Hat by ALDO, Franchetti in black ($35).

And I can tell you that with this look, I get this unique feeling that’s somewhere between “badass” and “glamour queen”. I feel mysterious. I feel confident.

I feel…. put together.

Like a hat was that one final accessory my wardrobe has been ~~looking~~ screaming for. An added element of style expression that can single handedly change the entire tone of one single outfit.

For more style inspiration and looks to try click HERE.

So whether you’re a dedicated hat fan, or new to the game entirely, this is THE season to step outside your comfort zones and take a few fashion risks. For example-

Go oversized and low…

Shooting for a casual look? Go neutral and chic and pair with flares….

Prefer bold and dramatic? Me too. Than monochromatic maroon is all you, sugar…

Or maybe you’re not into the fedora look in general. Don’t worry- I got you. Because knit textures are just as playful and daring. Plus, they give off that kind of effortless vibe that begs to be paired with long, loose waves and skinny jeans…

Regardless of your preference, my last word of advice is this-

Try them all. At least once.

And you just might surprise yourself…

I know I did.

#BombshellCode

X

Beauty, Blogger Style, Fashion, Street Style

Berries, Brooches and Boots…. Oh My.

September 7, 2015 Liberata Leave a comment

My favorite season is literally right around the corner.

Fall.

The season of perfectly pieced together layers. The season of messy updo’s and berry-stained lips. The season of sweaters, scarves, skies-the-limit thigh high boots, your favorite vintage leather jacket, your… I cant.

Because this year, I get to celebrate the arrival of Fall with the success of reaching yet another career milestone- my very own store.

Well, it’s not exactly “MINE”. But its mine in the sense that I am now responsible for every single aspect of its success. No biggie. I mean, come on, you’ve read a little bit about the men I’ve dated. You’ve gotten a taste of my fashion sense. Obviously, it takes a LOT to shake my confidence.

And that’s good.

Because with my new role comes the complete freedom to push work day fashion to the absolute limit. To boldly express myself the best way I know how. The universal language of fearless style that simply says- “I’m a Boss“.

(Honestly, can I get an Amen??)

We all know the proper term for dressing like a professional:

Business Casual

Gag.

Now take whatever outfit you have pictured in your head and throw it away. And don’t ever bring it up again.

Because if the Fall/Winter 2015-16 runways showed us anything, its that business is ANYTHING but basic. Of course, there are always going to be the familiar and iconic seasonal hints of warmer tones (berries/nudes), layered buttery soft textures (leather/fur), and slightly heavier accessories. But this year its more detailed than ever.

Its edgy. Its polished.

Its heaven.

So with that, I decided to share my own personal challenge of the moment. The challenge of building a wardrobe not only for a new career, but for a new season. A visual guide of staples so chic, you’ll wonder how your closet (or you, for that matter) ever survived without them.

Bring it.

In a previous post (See Post Here) I talked about Fashion Week’s most coveted Fall looks. And sure enough, those trends are everything they promised they would be. But we need to break it down even more. Because you’re not just a Fashionista- you’re a Boss. A tiger. A strong independent female who calls the shots. In all areas of her life. In heels. You’re trying to run the world AND look fierce.

#1: LEATHER

Leather leggings are everything this season. I prefer styles that feature more of a motocross look to them- zippers, textured prints, etc. It gives them a slightly more interesting look, and are way more forgiving to anyone who doesn’t have perfect mile long twig-like legs (and honestly, who really does?).

But that’s not only way we’ll see leather this Fall. Fashionistas rejoice- it is now 100% acceptable (and encouraged- by me) to be worn to worn. But keeping it classy is key. I don’t care where you work- looking like you’re heading to a Stones concert probably wont be appreciated. Unless, of course, you’re actually going to a Stones concert. So the trick here is simply a looser fit. That instantly keeps leather more chic, less BDSM.

So maybe leather pants aren’t your thing? Maybe you saw that episode of Friends where Ross tried them on- and it scarred you for life. And that’s okay. I still have plenty of other leather options to help keep you on point this season.

Like skirts. Yes darling, you read that correctly.

Leather. Skirts.

And I cant lie- this is probably one of my favorite fall accessories. And the styles are limitless. Fringed, short, long, adorned, plain, asymmetrical- anything goes. And as long as you’re keeping your proportions (and hemlines) in check, you’ll be able to rock any of these looks to work AND keep it classy-

And of course, I saved my favorite leather piece for last- the always classic, always chic, always perfect leather jacket. The only trick here is to keep it fitted. Don’t be afraid of color either. But black, camel and white all scream 70’s chic while keeping things classy. Collar or no collar- its up to you. Studded or plain Jane? Either is fine.

#2: Blanket Scarves

I’ll be honest. I was one of the first to rock these last winter. And I had a lot of very mixed reactions. Men, of course, were confused- “Why is it so… big??”. I remember one particular date where the guy told me it was “weird”. I’m sure he also found it weird when he never heard from me again. But most people were just curious. And with so many different way to wear them, I cant really blame them. But the best part about these babies is right in the name itself- they literally become blankets if needed. And who doesn’t love that? Plus, if you’re stuck in a blanket scarf styling rut, simply head to YouTube. There are plenty of videos from stylists showing you ingenious new ways to wear them. Here are some of my favorite classic looks for blanket scarf beginners-

#3: Monochrome- Black/White

Okay, seriously. Is there anything more classic than head to toe black? There is now- White. Remember the old rule of never wearing white after Labor Day? Good news- you can now file that in the same place where it says you cant mix gold and silver. Who even came up with these “rules” in the first place?? To me, an all-white look is a symbol of strength. Class. Status. Confidence. Even dignity. No one dares wear white, let alone ALL white, unless they plan to be seen. And heard. The same can be said for black. An all black ensemble screams utter sophistication. Luxury. Power. Regardless of your preference, these two monochromatic looks both deliver the same message- “Look, but don’t you dare touch”.

#4: Grunge Tee’s

You heard me. The chance to mix your inner child and outer boss. Just please- keep it appropriate. In other words, feel free to declare your love for My Little Pony or Guns N Roses. Avoid political messages or personal beliefs. While I’m all for making a statement, one that could potentially offend a co-worker (or anyone, really) is just ignorant. Spread love, not hate- #BombshellCode. So use your imagination. Tap into your creativity. Or musical inspiration. And have FUN with this trend. Jus be sure to balance it out by keeping the rest of your outfit more structured and tailored. This is the key to pulling this one off. Its the perfect combination of quirky and chic by adding that unexpected element of playfulness. And who knows- maybe you’ll catch the eye of another secret Aerosmith fan. 😉

#5: Accessories

My favorite. There is no better investment simply for the fact that accessories are the details that can make or break any outfit. At the same time, they can completely change any outfit. The addition, or removal, can take an outfit from day to night, or vice versa. And chances are, they’re worth holding on to. Because unlike a lot of other trend pieces, accessories CAN be recycled. Often through multiple seasons even. Take the Bohemian movement for example. Many thought it would be over with by the end of summer. As we were preparing to pack our feather cuffs away next to our Coachella ticket stubs, Fall 15/16 came along and breathed life right back into it. Albeit slightly darker. So fear not, gypsy souls. Many of your summer favorites can transition into your fall wardrobe.

#6: Thigh-high Boots

Thigh high lovers- this one’s for you. This season we’ll be shattering sex pot records. Fashion week unveiled boots so high, sometimes it was hard to tell just where they ended.

And I couldn’t be happier.

Wear over leggings, or alone with a dress leaving just a peek of thigh. Avoid looking too disco queen when it comes to material. Flat out leather is best. Anything shiny needs to be kept strictly for outside of the office.

#7: Brooches

Another trend I touched on in a previous post, this is probably my favorite for the season. Its a chance to mix old with new. A chance to personalize each outfit with details NO ONE else will have. And its a chance to comb every vintage store in your area. As if you needed one… But seriously, theres finally a trend out right now that I can honestly say I haven’t tried before. And even better- you can go absolutely crazy with it. That’s the whole point! So grab every brooch you can find. And then plan on needing at least 20 more. And pin them wherever you see fit. Shirts, collars, cuffs- even your hair. The more dramatic and personalized, the better.

And there you have it darlings. A general overview of how I’m preparing for both my new adventure and Fall. And whileits important to pay homage to trends, and embrace them while we can, its even more important to remember that trends come and go. They should be treated as an enhancement to your personal style. Because style is forever. In other words, the most successful fashionistas are ones that take trends, and tweak them to make them their own.

WE wear the clothes- the clothes do not wear us.

#BombshellCode

So have fun. Mix it up. And be fabulous.

But be YOU.

Because the best thing you could ever put on is your confidence.

X

To see more of these looks, or for more ideas, simply visit (and follow!) these two Pinterest boards:

I Mean Business

Fall Fashion Guide 2015

Confessions, Dating, Sorry I'm No Sorry

Online Dating- Welcome to Hell

August 24, 2015 Liberata 1 Comment

If you have found yourself single at any point in time during this last century, then you have no doubt put yourself through the ultimate form of social torture we call online dating.

You also probably did this because you heard about a friend of a friend, who somehow found the man of their dreams this way. They bonded over their mutual love for wine tastings and cooking, and the wedding is this fall. Apparently, it was love at first site. Its the adult urban legend.

But that was all you needed to hear as you mentally wrote out your “About Me”. You picture someone with the charm of George Clooney and the abs of Channing Tatum reaching out to you, begging to take you out for dinner. Obviously it will be love at first sight, and blissfully you’ll delete your accounts, together, while watching the sunset. And then YOU will be the next success story, told by your friend to another friend.

Except it hardly ever works out that way. Let me just clarify that for you now.

Now, I’m not saying there aren’t success stories. There really are people in my life getting married as a result. Think of the toast- “It all began when John sent Jane a wink…”. But I AM saying that there are a lot of horror stories that you must first be willing to subject yourself to first.

In a world oversaturated by social media, we could only expect that our love lives would eventually become involved. It is no longer suspected, but rather expected now that before a first date, your name has already been googled, your Facebook stalked, and all previous boyfriends sized up.

And as a result, your first impression was made looooong before you even set eyes on each other.

Suddenly it doesn’t seem so romantic now, does it?

As you may have already guessed, I myself am on a dating site. Though I am slightly unusual in the sense that I only belong to one. Current statistics will show most people join at least 3. I’m not sure where exactly people find the time for that, but I applaud their efforts (that is, hopefully, its effort and not just the desperation to get laid). Like most young professionals, I made the decision to join because I was “busy”. And MAJORLY over the bar scene. Plus, it seemed like a harmless way to put yourself out there without having to actually put yourself out there. At first it was kind of like window shopping for men.

It. Was. Awesome.

I could look all I wanted, communicate only if I was interested, and ultimately save myself A LOT of time. And bad dates.

Except men aren’t shoes. And judging someone off of a self-written profile is about as stupid as believing their pictures accurately describe how they will really look in person. No, seriously. I learned pretty quickly that 6 ft really means 5’10. Athletic Build really means Average, and Average really means A Few Extra Pounds. Oh- and 36 sometimes meant he’s turning 40 next month. Sometimes even 45 (ew…). But even if all the information wasn’t totally accurate, it was still enough to paint a general picture of someone in my mind. It was still enough for me to decide whether or not I wanted to try him on for size, so to speak. And as a result, I found myself becoming way too critical, judging men solely on their looks and/or jobs. Receiving tons of messages, I responded only to those that met my standards. And that was exactly how I realized my standards were bullshit.

So its no surprise that the dates I did go on were terrible. Well, most of them. I actually did meet some great people, some of which are still good friends. But in all fairness- I didn’t join to make friends. I joined for the hope of meeting “the one”. My potential other half. Because I want to be part of a true Power Couple- both hustling and living their dreams, together.

But all I really found were the exact types of men I purposely avoided in my day to day life: men that were womanizers, men that just wanted to get laid, men that were rebounding, men that were lazy… and even men that were only looking for green cards. And yes- you read that right.

So why do we continue to use them? Well that’s easy- because we have no other choice. The days of meeting your future husband in the grocery store are over. You can stop fantasizing about running into him in line at Starbucks. Forget locking eyes with him at Happy Hour. And why is that? Because he will most likely be looking at his phone, checking his inbox, flirting with 15 different girls on his 3 separate accounts, musing about who will put out first as he breezes right past you. Or because you’ll be too busy looking at yours, texting the same loser for the last week who’s really just too uninterested in you to commit to an actual date to even notice anyone else. Because we no longer live in the present, and instead fixate on any other form of communicating with one another other than actual communication.

And so even though my results have been less than impressive, my profile still exists. Even if its only for the sake of dating etiquette- if you’re single, its expected. In fact, its really the only way to declare yourself as “available” to others. Because its the only way people even know how to even inquire.

And really- because I still believe in the possibility.

That’s right.

Just the other night that belief was reaffirmed when I took a chance and met someone for coffee. I was already exhausted, and it would have been easy for me just to pass. But at the same time, I knew if I didn’t continue to try, I might as well just accept a life full of being exhausted now. And I’m NOT the girl who quits. And guess what? For the first time in a long time I was able to simply enjoy ones company. No drinking, no bragging, no interview-style questions. Just two people, in the moment, with the simple desire to learn more about one another (and in the end, maybe rip each others clothes off too- lets be serious here). And while there’s no telling where it will go, and too early to even guess, it was enough to restore my faith in the whole process. Enough to believe we are still capable of focusing on one individual, and for the right reasons. That we can still communicate, person to person. That we can connect- and in so many amazing ways (ways that your phone certainly cant do for you…). And while I still have visions of deleting my profile for good, it wont be because I simply gave up- It will be an act of no longer declaring myself as available. Sunset optional.

X

#BombshellCode, Beauty, Bohemian, Fashion, Gypsy Soul, Polyvore

Bohemian Baby

August 12, 2015 Liberata 2 Comments

Free People for the Gypsy Soul

…

As I’m sure we’re all aware of by now- I’m a free spirit at heart. A self-proclaimed Bohemian Bombshell.

There is nothing I love more than a whimsical summer dress. One that reveals just the right amount of skin to be sexy, yet covers the right amount to still be worn in public. The deeper the plunge, the barer the back, the better. If the material is sheer enough that a equally stunning slip is required, I’m in festival fashion nirvana.

Maybe its my love of music. Maybe its my hippie roots. But there is no other style I connect with more.

I feel girlie. I feel sexy. I feel… free.

And as a result, there is no brand I love more than Free People.

Look Into The Sun Maxi, $98

…

I recently teamed up with David John Lantrip to capture some of my favorite pieces this summer. Each one radiates that iconic Free People feel with material so perfectly draped and flows so effortlessly, its hard not to spend your day twirling in circles on a beach. Though I might encourage you to throw on some Milky Chance and try it for at least a minute or two.

Here’s why-

To me, fashion should be an extension of your personality. Another way to express who you are. And just like your mood, you have the right to change that look, or vibe, anytime you like. At least, thats my excuse for why I have so many clothes. I have never once been that person who was able to decide what I wanted to wear the night before. Although I envy people that can- they must save themselves SO much time. But the fact is, I dress according to my mood. Or to change my mood entirely.

Wait- what?

That’s right. For instance, lets say I wake up one morning, and I feel…. less than enthusiastic about the day to come. Maybe I’m stressed. Maybe I just broke up with someone. Maybe I don’t even need a reason. Because I’m a female. Now think about what you might feel like wearing. I bet leggings, a messy topknot and a giant scarf sound pretty damn good right now?

Wrong.

Because being basic is the LAST thing that’s going to help you counteract everything the world is going to throw at you today.

So girl, you better walk your cute ass to the closet, pick out the brightest dress you have, along with the highest heels you own. Wear your most expensive lingerie. And attack this world with the best attitude you can summon while applying the perfect baby pink pout.

I challenge any of you to try this trick the next time you feel down.

And I’ll just go ahead and say it now- You’re welcome.

Now back to my original point…

You see, people make the mistake of dressing for the wrong reasons. And its usually for OTHER people. If you think you might be on of these individuals, please stop. Now. Because the truth is, no one that dresses for others can ever be confident with themselves. I don’t care if you’re a beacon of the RTW Fall 2015 Balmain ollection. It will never work unless you’re wearing it for YOU. And only you.

Which is why I connect so strongly with Free People. Every time I slip into one of their pieces, I feel like I’m gearing up for Coachella all over again. I feel calm. I feel natural. I feel feminine.

I feel beautiful.

And because of the neutral tones of their collections, there is literally no limit when it comes to accessorizing. Though I will admit, I’m an accessory junkie. And I have the stash to prove it. So if you’re sporting a plunging neckline, then attention should be drawn to it. (#BombshellCode) With layers of long delicate chains, carefully hanging at just the right lengths so each charm/pendant gets the admiration they deserve.

Or perhaps your dress is backless? Simply take those same necklaces, but flip them backwards. Or choose just one- preferably something big, bold and bright. Its an unexpected pop of color to highlight (and emphasize) one of the most underplayed, yet sexiest parts of your body.

Perhaps you want to go the minimalist route? That’s okay too. This is where unique pieces come in. Like arm cuffs and hand jewelry- these are all brilliant examples of individual pieces that often get lost unless they’re worn alone.

Maybe hats are your thing? Good. And if they’re not, make them your thing. Like, yesterday. And remember- the bigger, the better. Free People’s Ranchero Matador Hat (pictured on the right) is everything.

And dare we forget about bags?

Never.

Keep the bohemian vibe going with leather. Fringe will add extra drama. Plus, if you’re not into large bags, these will give the illusion of one without the extra bulk. And here’s a special treat for my fellow equestrian friends: this particular bag from Horse & Nail even features a two tone snaffle bit.

It. Is. Perfection…

Horse & Nail Altair Hobo at Free People, $890

So your maxi carried you through the day, but can it pack the same punch at night? You bet your sun-kissed cheeks it can. With a simple attitude shift with your accessories, you’ll go from flat out Boho to Boho-Chic. And trading your Hobo bag in for a compact clutch is the first step. This particular one from St. Xavier is like Alexander McQueen at the beach- it couldn’t be more perfect if it tried.

St. Xavier Zane Il Clutch for Free People, $98 (available in Gold or Silver)

And finally, lets talk about those locks. Thanks to a day of ocean air, you now have been blessed with hair so filled with body and beachwaves that even the most skilled stylist couldn’t duplicate. You smell like sunshine and salt and the last thing you want to do is ruin it. And you don’t need to. Simply pin back enough strands to keep your hair long and loose using a few bobby pins. Adorned or plain, there have never been so many creative options-

And by the way, I think this is the perfect time to talk about the latest trend for fall. One that I, for one, am already a HUGE fan of. Introducing the “Hun”. The half up, half down bun.

Go ahead and try not to fall in love with this look….

So in the end, the key to true bohemian style is simple. Literally. Its effortless. Comfortable. Confident.

THAT is what makes it so damn sexy.

Because Bohemian isn’t a trend. Or even really a style.

Its a state of mind.

So while the festival style will come and go as most trends do, true Gypsy Souls will be here to stay.

Probably twirling on a beach somewhere…

#BombshellCode

X

Editor’s Note: Bohemian Baby was shot on location in Sarasota, Florida at Lido Beach.

Photographer- David John Lantrip

Model- Liberata Dolce

Wardrobe- Free People

#BombshellCode, Confessions, Dating, Model Life, Sorry I'm No Sorry

LUSTstoned – Style… or Substance?

August 3, 2015 Liberata 1 Comment

…

LUSTstoned

Having promised to always be honest with you, I’ll admit that I can be a little… superficial. I’ve chosen style over practicality (and rationalism) many times. I mean, come on- have you seen my shoes?? So its no surprise that I’m probably guilty of choosing the men I date in the same fashion. See what I did there?

I like the bad boys. The rockstars. The charismatic ones that specialize in seducing. And ultimately destroying. They’re charming, passionate, and intriguing. Their sex appeal is intoxicating. Being the object of desire to these men is like slipping into a brand new pair of Louboutin’s. Convinced I can match they’re complexity, it gives me a natural high. I’m not love stoned- I’m LUST stoned. I call these men “enigmatic”. You, on the other hand, would probably call them an asshole. I will eventually end up calling them that too. Except its usually after the storm. And just like hurricanes, they each have their own name. Some are more catastrophic than others. But the same warning signs are always there. And I’m the idiot that refuses to evacuate and later needs to be airlifted to safety. And by airlifted, I mean drink wine and vowing to never date again. Until the next one comes along. Because who knows- maybe he could really be the one??

LOL. Right.

I think I’ve been too busy treating men like accessories.

So here’s the real question- Why?

Well, before we can even try to answer that, lets get to the good stuff first. A look at a few of my recent examples. After all, if this is going to turn into a case study, you should be equipped with the proper information. That, or at the very least, it will bring you some great entertainment.

CASE STUDY #1: Hurricane Rockstar

Hands down, the Rockstar is, and always will be, my personal drug of choice. There’s something about a man with a guitar that eliminates all logic in my body and replaces it with pure stupidity. And like a true addict, I’ve dabbled in every field. From coffee house crooners, to Grammy winning A-Listers, they all leave me unable to process and react to their actions the way I would with other men. Instead, I chalk up their bad behavior to their bad boy way of life. Like being a musician of any sort gives them a get-out-of-jail-free card for being a dick. They’re not being unreasonable and selfish- they’re brooding and mysterious. They’re not broke- they’re starving artists, refusing to give up on their passion. Its endearing. Its admirable. Its sexy.

ITS ALSO A FUCKING JOKE.

And I’m proud to say my last rockstar was the one that finally landed me in rehab. For good. Unlike Amy Winehouse, I was screaming, “Yes, Lord, YASSSSSS!”. You see, I have this ridiculous habit of giving people way more credit than they deserve. I’m totally ignorant in the sense that I believe the person they are presenting to me is who they really are. And above all, I truly believe they are simply incapable of being cruel to me. Until they are. Yes, I’m that stupid. Or that hopeful. I’m not sure which yet. But I DO know this- when someone share’s your personal conversations for another woman to respond to, you need to erase that person from your life. Immediately. Because they either have the maturity of a 13 year old, the respect of a 5 star douchebag, or severe self-esteem issues. Because nothing remains more true than this- hurt people hurt people. All it takes is one very harsh look at reality, and an intelligent, handsome rockstar morphs instantly into someone who probably doesn’t care much about anyone but himself. And while I may be clueless with men, I am ON POINT with my standards in love.

With the quality of people I want in my life.

And, above all, the respect I deserve.

So in conclusion, someone so unhappy with their own life has absolutely no place in mine, guitar or not. Case closed.

CASE STUDY #2: Hurricane Full of Shit

I’m ashamed to even be talking about this one. Really. And I’m inviting any of you to come and slap me for even entertaining this tool as long as I did. And here, gentlemen, is where I will dispense the greatest piece of dating advice a girl can offer-

Never, EVER set the standard of the first date higher than what you plan to maintain after.

Case in point: Yacht Boy (as I shall refer to him) had pursued me for a while. Seeing him as wholesome and serious, I of course dodged every attempt like Mayweather in the ring. But he never quit. And as fate would have it, I ran into him one night. We ended up talking- really talking. And much to my surprise, we had a lot in common. It was then that I started to realize that maybe all the things about him I had initially run from were exactly what I needed. He was going to be out of town for a while, but we agreed to get together as soon as he got back. Of course, during his time away, we texted and shared pictures. Not of our bodies, but of our actual lives. Things that were important. It was…. nice.

We made plans for the day he returned home. Yep, you read that right. I wont lie- it felt incredibly good to have someone that was so excited to see me. He literally was driving, across states, to take me out. Understandably, he ended up running a little late. Given the effort, I didn’t mind one bit. When he picked me up (Yes, you also read THAT right- picked me up) he apologized, explaining that upon his arrival home, he was greeted to absolutely no power at his place. Wanting to keep his plans with me, he simply showered (a very cold shower in a very dark bathroom) and was out the door. Everything else he would deal with later. Whoa. Wait. Say what?? I’ve had to ask guys to change into actual jeans just to go out, because no, joggers are not acceptable date attire. And this guy risked hypothermia for me? And think about shaving- I knick myself just looking at a razor, let alone sliding it along my body in the dark. So I’m thinking this guy is even an absolute gentlemen, or a total fucking idiot.

Idiot would eventually win. It always does.

So as you probably guessed, we had a great date. So much so it led to a second date. At his place. With power, of course. Wanting to show off his culinary skills, he cooked a full course dinner and even made homemade ice cream for me. I know, I know- its almost too good. We would see each other a few more times after that, but something started to happen. Or, everything started to happen. To him. It seemed like making plans were impossible because he was sick. Or going out of the country. Or out of state. Or a family member had died. Or multiple. No really. Like, 2 in one week, I believe? Now, I might be a total asshole for saying this, but I call Bullshit. You’re either a terrible liar, or the unluckiest person around. Either way, its safe to say that you just got filed back into my “No Thank You” file. But EVERY FREAKIN TIME I shut that damn thing, he would come along, and say something to get my attention. Again. He knew how to keep me at just the right distance to string me along. And so the cycle began. He would set something up. I would believe him. Because he couldn’t possibly do it again. And then HE WOULD DO IT AGAIN. In fact, at the end, I think the only real reason I would even agree to see him was just to prove myself right about him. That he was a liar. And finally I summoned the courage to point out to him what I had already accepted. I reminded him of his effort on our first date. That he had set his own standard when it came to me. That he had kept his word and put me first when we set plans. And that he had failed miserably in ever reaching it again.

And I don’t date failures.

Bye, Felicia. Another case closed.

CASE STUDY #3: Hurricane HeadCase

I wont go into too much detail with this guy. Because unlike the others, this one actually hurt me. The others were comical (after the fact) and were certainly valuable lessons. But this one- I cant really explain what happened. Or why. Other than to say that some people are just bad. And probably have bigger issues going on in their lives than we will ever understand. You see, this was the guy that made the effort. And then went beyond it. When we talked, he didn’t just listen to me- he took notes. And would surprise me with things later. Like my favorite movie. Or a pillow I saw in a shop when we were out on a casual stroll. When I was sick, he made hour long trips just to bring me soup and ice cream- only to then snuggle me, letting me fall asleep on his lap. When it got too late, he would take me to bed, and would leave only after I had fallen asleep. One of the last times I saw him, we watched the sunset at the beach and downloaded stargazing aps. We spent the rest of the night talking about like and looking at constellations, among a few other late night beach activities. It was also the night he told me how he “really, really, really, really, really, really wanted this to work”. And I did too. No question about it. He told me what he needed from me, and I agreed.

And then he disappeared.

He went total ghost. It was, quite honestly, one of the most indescribable feelings to experience. A little anger, a little disbelief, a little sadness. All mixed with confusion. And hurt. It was a definitive moment where I had opened myself up. Became a little vulnerable. And let the walls down just a bit. And got smacked down hard. And all because I actually believed him. And started to explore my feelings towards him. And why wouldn’t I?

Easy- because I’m a normal, compassionate, loving human being. I don’t promise rose gardens to unsuspecting victims. I don’t stir up feelings in individuals just to stroke my own ego. And I certainly do not intentionally hurt others just to fill some void in my life. Maybe he was unhappy, and I was a temporary cure. When his ego was sufficiently inflated, there was no longer room for me. I’m sure whatever the reason was, it was justifiable to him. Otherwise, I believe I would have gotten an “I’m sorry” at one point. But like most sociopaths, I know now that day will never come.

So as much as I would like to blame all these guys, the obvious similarity they all have…. is me. So it brings me to my original question- do I choose these men because I truly see them as potential partners. Or are they all just glittery accessories, comfortable in the sense that I already have a good idea how it will end. And therefore, I never have to get too invested. I never need to get to a point where I can see them as a Potential Maybe, instead of a Inevitable Storm.

Personally, I think in the end, I’m still hoping for the Potential Maybe, that’s just lost in the Inevitable Storm. The storms we as females all have to go through. Because like a good margarita, I doubt we would appreciate the sweet nearly as much without the sour.

#BombshellCode

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#BombshellCode, Confessions, Model Life, Sorry I'm No Sorry

The Flake State- Sorry I’m Not Sorry….

July 28, 2015 Liberata 1 Comment

…

Flakes.

Its bad enough as a single female, I have to deal with flakey men. And, like, a LOT of flakey men.

But as a model, I also went ahead and added flakey photographers into my life. I mean, why not? YOLO! In addition to that, you can probably double the amount the average model deals with. Because I live in Florida. Also known in the industry as-

The Flake State.

And before you Photographers get all bent out of shape, I acknowledge models are just as guilty at performing this charming act of unprofessionalism. But here’s the problem I have with this situation. It seems as though Models are the ONLY guilty ones. At least, from the stories I hear. And for a while I believed that was the case. The same way I used to believe in Santa Clause. Or unicorns. Or that you can still have a relationship with someone you slept with on the first date. There I was, silently giving myself a gold star for my squeaky clean attendance record. Cause I was NOT getting one for my dating record. Obviously…

And then…. something happened.

But first, let me add, I promised when this site launched that names would never be used- I have no desire to blast anyone. I strongly believe that anything that cant be said to someone’s face is most likely an emotional thought, rather than factual. And therefore, irrelevant. But lets face it- if they’ve done it to me, they’ve done it to others. And eventually, they create their own reputation. So me trying to trash them would simply be a waste of my time. And truth and time eventually DOES tell all. But at the same time, I have zero problem sharing my experiences.

So lets take a look at those.

Starting with the first time I realized I had made a huge mistake in judgment. Not once. Not even twice. But THREE times. Yeah, I know, I bet my single status is starting to make more sense now, huh? But back to the original point. This particular photographer was new to the area. When he reached out to me for a TF shoot, I was hooked. His work was perfect- a little edgy, but feminine. And his use of natural light was flawless. Though he was known for his work in Fitness and Glamour, he was striving to shoot more Fashion. And I was desperate for Editorial (a hard thing to find in a state known for GWC’s and tacky sunset/bikini shoots). It was perfect.

Way ahead of the game, having already tapped into my bohemian side before it was a trend, I pulled pieces for a shoot that would make any gypsy soul jealous. Arm cuffs, kimonos, vintage sequined gowns- the options were literally limitless. I even sacrificed one of my own couture gowns by wearing it in the ocean while the sun went down behind me. Totally worth it. For the record- that’s MY kind of sunset shoot. Hundreds of images were shot in a span of 4 hours and 5 looks.

Needless to say, I was beyond excited to receive images of our work. He warned me he wasn’t the fastest at editing, to which I had no problem with. I tell everyone I work with- I don’t care how long it takes you, as long as give me what you promise, by when you promise.

Would you like to know how many images I received from that day?

2 fucking images.

In case you didn’t read that right, I’ll say it again- 2.

Of course, in the time it took to receive those TWO images, I shot with him two more times. Because I was still stupid then. And I received ONE image from each of those shoots. Let me clarify that once more time for the cheap seats in the back- ONE IMAGE PER SHOOT.

So, lets summarize my first lesson in flaking:

3 shoots in all. We’ll ballpark those at 8 hours total shooting time. 10 – 12 looks in all. We wont even go into prep time (hair/makeup), or the time it took to actually find and piece together each look. Oh, wait- how about packing and unpacking everything? And then there’s the gown I ruined. For nothing.

Wait, I’m sorry- let me correct myself. It wasn’t for “nothing”. It was for 4 images. Of which 2 of those I actually use in my portfolio.

Needless to say, there will never be a 4rth shoot.

But wait- we’re not done yet.

Lets fast forward to a year later. Feeling a little more seasoned, and armed with that charming experience, I’m a little more cautious selecting photographers. Or, so I think. It turns out I was still too incredibly stupid for my own good. Here’s Lesson #2…..

Again, I’m contacted by a photographer. Again, one that shoots a lot of Fitness, but has an eye for edgy concepts. Part boudoir, part fine art. In other words, I like what I see. He tells me he’ll be in my area in the next week so we schedule a day to shoot. I show up, armed with enough wardrobe and accessories that would satisfy all 3 Kardashians. We shoot for about 4, maybe 5 hours, using 6 looks in all. It is agreed that I will receive 2 images per look. We spend a little time going through them before I leave- the excitement over what we captured was obvious. While reviewing them, he opens up to me about his frustration with his visit to Tampa. He had booked multiple shoots during his visit there, however, as it would turn out, I was the only model to show. The others had all flaked. All of them. Huh??

I was shocked. Or rather, disappointed. Disappointed in the reputation these other models were creating for not only our area, but our industry. How does someone do that? Especially on someone so talented? So easy to work with? So fun?

I’ll tell you how. Maybe they didn’t flake at all. Maybe they just found out something about this guy I hadn’t. Before they could waste their time, money and wardrobe on someone who had no interest in delivering the results they were promised. Because in the end, I would receive a mere 3 images.

THREE.

Two of which are basically the same shot.

Now I should add I was careful never to nag anyone. In fact, this particular photographer bragged about how he purposely ignored and withheld images from models who annoyed him. Noted. Plus, I have no interest in images edited by an annoyed photographer. Do you really think you’re going to receive their best work? Sorry, Princess. Maybe I’m wrong here, but I want images that have been edited out of excitement. Passion. Enthusiasm. Clearly, this guy had lost that somewhere.

But moving on.

Looking back now, I realize there were a few things these two gentlemen had in common. The biggest being my confusion in how either of them were not making a living doing something they were so obviously good at. I’m no longer confused-

Their lack of professionalism and integrity will never allow them to be great.

In an industry so superficial and ego-driven, there is simply no more room left for liars. Because you can have the biggest ego in the room- so long as you can also deliver the results to back it up. Otherwise you’re just all talk with a few cool pictures on Instagram. From 2 years ago.

But even more frustrating is the thought that these individuals probably thought at one point “What’s she going to do about it?”. Well, nothing. Except when your name comes up I’ll be honest. I’ll explain how I did my part. And put every effort into our shoot. How I cared. How I drove an hour to meet with you. How I went above what you expected. And how you let me down by not caring about any of it. I’ll tell them how I strung along with promises of more images, when you “weren’t so busy”. Awww- You’re busy? So is everyone else. Let that be a lesson to anyone that uses that as an excuse- its insulting. If I can mange to deliver results, then I expect you to be able too. And if you CANT handle that, well, maybe you need to pick a new career. This applies to flakey models, as well.

So in the end, I have accepted those shots are long gone. I no longer stress or get upset when I think about all the wasted potential. Because I know I did my job.

And I did it well.

Probably better than they deserved.

In short, I learned that sometimes the lessons that come from shoots are deeper than just poses and angles. That they can benefit more than just your portfolio (if youre lucky enough toeven HAVE anything for your port). Sometimes they simply provide experience in making better decisions in the future. And they CERTAINLY teach you about integrity, and how crucial it is for your reputation.

Because in the end, regardless of your talent, the true value of you as a model/photographer is only as good as your word.

Because, baby- there is no filter for poor ethics.

And no makeup to cover that ugly heart.

All that’s left for you now is the reputation of being just another unreliable flake.

Remember that.

#BombshellCode

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#BombshellCode, Beauty, Fashion, Polyvore

You’re Making Me Blush….

July 26, 2015 Liberata Leave a comment

A classic Bombshell look.

Soft. Sexy. And hugs every curve like it should.

With an unexpected statement necklace so bold, I had to style an entire outfit around it.

Featuring a bag from Valentino, and classic gladiator heels from Giuseppe Zanotti, this is THE ultimate in sexy sophistication.

Try to keep his hands off you…

You’re Making Me Blush…. by liberatadolce featuring a studded leather purse

Glamorous white summer shirt
$23 – glamorous.com

Pink skirt
$29 – bardot.com.au

Giuseppe Zanotti dress sandals shoes
amazon.com

Valentino studded leather purse
luisaviaroma.com

Givenchy wrap around bracelet
$610 – farfetch.com

Chanel metal jewelry
tradesy.com

Brown jewelry
$200 – youheshe.com

Henri Bendel pave jewelry
henribendel.com

Michael Kors red gold ring
$140 – johnlewis.com

Coin necklace
1stdibs.com

Christian dior lip gloss
lordandtaylor.com

Miller Harris floral perfume
net-a-porter.com

#BombshellCode, Beauty, Fashion, Polyvore

On The Prowl….

July 26, 2015 Liberata 1 Comment

Go ahead.

Let your wild side out.

Accentuate a curve hugging pencil skirt with plunging necklines and bold accessories.

With pieces that range from Cavalli to Versace, your body will never know such worship from admiring eyes.

Because as women, we like to feel- and look- fierce.

On The Prowl… by liberatadolce featuring high heel boots

Boohoo crop top
boohoo.com

Versace skirt
theoutnet.com

Giuseppe Zanotti high heel boots
barneyswarehouse.com

La Regale black handbag
nordstromrack.com

Effy Collection black diamond ring
macys.com

Black stud earrings
1stdibs.com

Roberto Cavalli choker necklace
$1,030 – forzieri.com

Gold jewelry
1stdibs.com

Michael kors belt
therealreal.com

Givenchy nail polish
barneys.com

#BombshellCode, Beauty, Confessions, Fashion, Model Life, Uncategorized

Modeling- Vanity? Or Lesson in Humility?

July 24, 2015 Liberata Leave a comment

A Pivotal Moment….

Every model has some story about how they were “discovered”. For me, it was a little different. I had always been told by friends and family that I should model- that I was “so photogenic”… and “so pretty”. And my obsession with fashion magazines only encouraged them. What they didn’t know was that I was extremely insecure. What others saw as vanity was actually only self conscience attempts to hide every flaw. And even though I had all this encouragement, nothing could make me see it till I myself started to see it too. Ironically, it was the other models in my fashion magazines that finally helped me do this. They inspired me. Pushed me. Challenged me. Not to be like them physically- I was insecure, not stupid. But to be part of something beautiful. Iconic. Extraordinary. Like the old school Guess? ads we all know and love. It wasn’t about being the actual girl in the picture- it was about the entire image itself. To me, every ad campaign from Gucci, YSL, Chanel, Versace… it was all ART. And I wanted a to be a part of it SO bad.

Fast forward to a few years later….

My best friend is marrying the man of her dreams, and I’m the Maid of Honor, just like we had always promised each other. Now, for the average BFF, this is already a big job. Like, huge. And tough. Because its also the one time you knowingly, and very lovingly, have to tone down your look for the big day. Because its not about you. In other words, you have to look amazing, without actually looking amazing. YOU are the accessory. You’re the Chanel clutch (classy, simple) carried next to a Balmain dress (jaw-dropping gorgeous).

But that’s okay- cause I happen to love Chanel.

However, the job duties become even more challenging for someone like me. Because I’m the fashion queen in the group, my friends have always come to me with dilemmas. Especially for big events. So naturally, when it comes to my dress for the big day, no one wants to tell me what to wear. (Even though I promise I would if they did… I think… Okay, I might customize it a tiny bit…) So as anticipated, I’m given free reign from the Bride to find my own Maid of Honor dress. Her only request is simple- it has to be purple.

Easy for anyone else. For me- it’s my new fashion conquest.

This launches me into one of those epic fashion searches I’m famous for. And this is why I say that this particular responsibility is so much harder for someone like me. This isn’t merely just about finding a purple dress. Its about finding THE purple dress. Its about the finding the most perfect, amazing, purple dress that was ever stitched together. Its about finding the perfect dress so my Best Friend’s day is EVERYTHING she ever dreamed it would be. Because this is a day where details matter- and I’m now one of those details.

With images of terrifying bridesmaid dresses from the 80’s swimming in my head, I know the one most critical factor is to stick with something classic. Timeless. Simple. Something ageless that wont send shivers down children’s spine when they look at their Grandparents wedding pictures years from now. I can honestly tell you I have had nightmares involving those puffy sleeves… to a fashionista, they’re legit scarier than any clown.

And this is when it all happens.

I think I’m at my 35th bridal shop. I’m giving the same speech to the assistant- “…..purple. Any shade, but not too dark… long and floaty… unique, but classic… mermaid preferably…. do you have anything backless?”. This particular shop also carried pageant gowns, so I was feeling rather positive. At the very least, there would be some unique gowns to slip into and pretend. It’s like playing “Dress Up” for grown ups. So I’m in heaven, trying on gown after gown while the assistant feverishly pulls more- her determination was quite impressive. High on fashion endorphins and lost in the thrill of sequins and sinfully plunging necklines, I started to lose focus. As I admire the latest body-hugging contestant in the mirror, I suddenly realize- this dress is gold…?? Wait, what is happening? Purple… we need PURPLE!! It is then that I realize another woman is watching this parade of pageant gowns- the owner. Before I can even call for the assistant to redirect her focus back to the original mission, the owner comes to me. Turns out she had just received a new season of gowns and wanted to see them on someone. And because of my body type, I was “perfect”. Perfect meaning “big boobs, small waist and can squeeze into sample sizes”.

At the same time, a photographer was also in the shop. He shot a lot of weddings and worked with the owner of the boutique quite often. My impromptu fashion show had caught his attention. “Have you ever modeled before?” he asks. I laugh. Of course. Cause that’s what I do when I’m nervous. Or on the spot. Crazy right? I bet you thought modeling was all about vanity and self-centered attention. Wrong, wrong, wrong…. but more on that later.

I’m not sure what it was. I had been asked before. Many times before. Maybe I was just in the right mood. Maybe I was feeling all this good wedding energy. Maybe it was just simply meant to be. But I agreed to shoot with him. And just like that, it all started.

So while I didn’t find the perfect dress there, I did find something. An opportunity. A crossroads that actually became one of the most pivotal moments in my life thus far. I often wonder if the insecure side of me would have won that day, and I had said “no thank you”. Who would I be right now? Where would I be right now? What great things would I have accomplished in lue of my experiences as a result of saying “yes”? I’m not saying I’m a better person as a result- just a different person. A stronger, slightly more confident version.

Earlier I mentioned vanity. And how utterly incorrect it is to associate it with modeling. Or at least with MY modeling. I’m sure there are those who simply just enjoy having their picture taken. Who relish the attention of being the primary focus. And that’s okay- to each their own. But to assume that’s the agenda of every model is not only inaccurate, it’s unfair. I’m somewhere on the opposite end of the spectrum. You see, shoots have become a personal challenge for me. A way of growth. Of acceptance- of who I am both physically and mentally. There is no hiding from my flaws- only brutal honesty. I give up total control of how I will be presented when all is said and done. Or shot, rather.

Take a selfie for instance. We are ALL guilty of them, so bare with me here… When someone takes a selfie, they take multiple shots, right? Go on, you can admit it. I bet you even have a favorite side you prefer. You then choose the one you like best. The one that has the perfect angle. It hides what you don’t want to show, or if you cant hide it, well… you can find a filter. Or, it accentuates, or points to, what YOU want to feature. My point is, you don’t take a selfie without the intention of putting the best “you” out there.

Modeling is pretty much the opposite of that. Its like taking all those shots, never looking at them, and giving them all away to someone else so they can do whatever they want with them. Scary, right?

Yeah- that’s what I thought.

Now lets take it one step further. Think about the person that has those images. They’re zooming in on all the things you would be mortified for someone to notice. Think about your date walking up to you and pointing out that pimple you thought you covered. Or that stretch mark on your hip. Or the dimples on your thigh. Or… you get the point.

That’s how vulnerable and exposed I feel every time I step in front of the lens. My guard comes down, and the brutal physical honesty comes out. The imperfections. The flaws. Remember when you first heard your voice from something recorded? You probably thought something like “That’s not how I sound?! Is it…??”. That’s pretty much how I felt in the beginning when I looked at raw shots. I was forced to see myself in ways I had always avoided before. Or ignored. I saw the real me. I saw myself through another person’s eye. The good… the bad… the flaws. Or what I use to consider flaws. Slowly they have turned into love and acceptance. Not totally- but I’m more forgiving of myself then I ever thought I would be capable of.

So in short- for me, its a lesson in humility, as my Dad would say. Its a glimpse at reality. The sometimes very brutal truth, depending on the lighting. The truth where there is no capturing your “good side” (mine is my left). Because they will capture every side.

At the same time, its also an opportunity to open yourself. To let parts of yourself out that you normally try to silence. An opportunity to accept yourself. An opportunity to creatively express emotions or feelings. Some of my favorite shots are simple candid moments between me and the photographer. Maybe we were sharing a cigarette. Or talking about my most recent boyfriend. Maybe we were simply musing about the future. And that is where the challenge comes from. With everything I have discovered and accepted about myself, why would I even think about stopping? Especially when I know its just the beginning. I want to dig SO much deeper.

And the best part? I have images as personal proof of my evolution. Some good, some bad- all special.

Just something to consider the next time you want to call a model Vain. Perhaps its YOU that needs to dig a little deeper as well?

Like the great Karl Lagerfeld once said, “Change is the healthiest way to survive”.

And for those still wondering, of course I found “the perfect dress”. A beautiful creation by Vera Wang, and customized with a vintage brooch. I was the perfect accessory, to the perfect wedding, of the perfect couple (I love you!!).

So remember, whether your searching for a dress, or self acceptance, just follow your natural instinct. Do what feels right for YOU. Don’t be afraid to take chances. And never miss out on a chance to discover more about yourself.

Because perseverance will ALWAYS pay off.